Mazzi Designed Dining

9 course tasting menu is quite good. A wide variety of dishes served with style. While it’s expensive, the meal is competitive with degustation meals we’ve enjoyed in West Palm, Barcelona, and Prague. The Wine list is reasonably priced and broad by big city standards.

We went there for my mother’s birthday and were looking forward to a wonderful dining experience. Let me tell you what happened…
We were greeted warmly and sat at a table in the middle of the dining room, but unfortunately too close to the rear banquet room where there was party of about 15 – 18 adults and a few children under the age of 8 or so. They became loud and boisterous at times and the children seemed unsupervised. This became quite annoying and disruptive to our dining experience. I cannot fault the party that was there, but I do fault the management for removing the doors that were once in place to separate this area from the rest of the dining room. I cannot fault the management from deciding to book a large party on a Saturday night, but I would like to think they could have seated them in another part of the facility away from the main dining room to maintain the quiet atmosphere one expects.
We were somewhat surprised by the new menu that offers a choice of a «petite 4 course tasting menu» or a «9 course tasting menu». The four of us each chose the 4 course menu and were expecting wonderful food. We were impressed with the selection of choices but dissappointed by the portion size and preparation. It does say «petite» and that is what they were. Two of us ordered the beef ribeye; one medium and one medium rare. Both portions came to the table very rare and were sent back. My wife ordered the lamb and asked for it medium rare and it was presented quite rare. I ordered the pork tenderloin, but was not asked how I wanted it prepared so I assumed it would be medium rare as I like it. It was delivered medium to well and was slightly chewy. I chose to keep it as it was getting a little rediculous by this time.
My wife and I have dined at some well known fine dining establishments in the past such as Daniel and Le Bernadin in NYC and the Fountain Room in PHL, so we are accustomed to small plates and tasting menus and expensive meals, but this experience did not live up to those standards as much as Mazzi seems to be trying to do.
Only after my mother got the nerve to complain at the host/​hostess stand, did the manager come to our table to offer us an apology for the noisy guests and the poor preparation of our entrée’s. He did comp our drinks and even brought us some complimentary dessert wine, which was a nice gesture.
Overall, I cannot completely fault the staff for everything, but our expectations of a peaceful and impressive dining experience were not met. This may be mostly due to the large, disruptive party nearby, but even the food could not overcome the negative feelings we left with.
I would advise future guests to inquire about any large parties booked for the evening you want to dine there and have a full understanding of the menu choices and expense before going. If you don’t mind paying a premium for food and wine, then this can be a nice place as the wait staff is knowledgable and attentive. This was just not a premium experience for us.

We went here for my birthday and should have walked out. We waited 20 minutes just for water and what was so bizarre was that every server, busboy, sommelier, manager, just kept walking by and didn’t even acknowlege that we were there. After another 15 minute wait for bread and to place an order, my other half got up and very politely explained exactly what he was expecting to happen for the rest of the evening. From that point on all the staff was really saccharine-​sweet as if they were a little pissed and so they were going to give the two jerks exactly the service they’d asked for. The food was over the top delicious! But honestly the presentation, the dated 90s Tuscan-​meets-​Dallas décor, and the most unprofessional service I’ve ever encountered in a restaurant of any price range ANYWHERE just left me feeling angry. The price tag per person for the privilege of eating here $ 100 each with 1 glass of wine. I’ve eaten in Philly, DC, NYC, Paris, London, Rome, Florence, SF, LA… I’m no bumpkin. This is just UNACCEPTABLE!!!

One of our very favorite places ever. The setting is spectacular — a creatively reworked space made elegant and a little romantic.
The food is excellent. My absolute favorite is the arugula salad with french fries. What an unbelievable combination of bitter/​spicy arugula, sweet/​sour balsamic glaze, and salty, hot potatoes. I get it every time, and ask for it when it’s not on the menu.
Mazzi rotates specials and it’s wise to choose from them, because they’re always creative and tasty, well-​prepared riffs on Italian themes.
This has been our go-​to spot for anniversaries and other special occasions. A friend had her wedding reception in the detached hall (an old barn, perhaps?); food was Mazzi’s and it was wonderful on all fronts.

Let me start off with this: I have NO IDEA how anyone could give this less than 5 stars. To be fair, I can only draw this conclusion: they have unsophisticated palettes. The food was BEYOND!
It was very expensive and there are multiple courses, so clear your schedule and save some money. This is the type of restaurant that belongs in NYC or London, NOT Lancaster County LOL!
I’ve been meaning to write a review for this place since I went for my birthday last month. My family and I were talking about the food for days…
Here’s why:
Food:
Now take note: PORTIONS ARE EXTREMELY SMALL. Why? Because This is the type of place where you taste everything without feeling full and bloated by the end of the night.
I ordered an appetizer (truffle gnocchi) and an entrée (Roasted duck with white chocolate risotto and a cherry reduction). Both were delicious… only received 3 or 4 bites of the gnocci, which was enough to whet my appetite but not fill me up. The risotto was like something I’ve never had before, amazing!
In addition to these courses, the table was presented with 3 complimentary amuse-​bouches of our choice. (A little bite of something delicious– short ribs with polenta, bruschetta, etc)
Dessert– they have a table that rolls out to show the options. This was the only portion that wasn’t small. I had a chocolate cake with berries and whipped cream… yum!
Honestly, I can’t even describe how delicious everything was because it won’t do Mazzi justice… just go there and find out for yourself.
Beverages:
Again, we received some complimentary drinks! We got one before we started to make us salivate, and another after to cleanse the palette. I also had a martini and a glass of wine. Everything was great! :)
Music:
Ha! Could be better… but who’s really listening when you have a good conversation going?
Service:
Fine and friendly. They might seem stuffy upon arrival, but if you set the tone they will reciprocate. My family is very funny and lighthearted, so we joked with the servers and they joked back with us. They also made suggestions and were very knowledgeable.
They also have sommeliers walking around that knew more about wine than you could possibly image.

This place is very sophiscated maybe seems a little uptight. They have several options to the 3 course and 7 course menu options with optional wine pairing. I went all out with the 7 course and wine pairings which was enjoyable however all in all for the price it didnt blow my socks off. I have been to high end resturaunts at that price tag and felt more satisfied then this place. The wine pairing was enjoyable with an all italian pairing with some interesting dishes but when its all said and done I would look around before booking reservations.

Service: Fantastic. Made our night special.
Décor: Tuscan Design. Good setting for a romantic dinner. Comfortable. Appropriate spacing between tables.
Food: Downfall of our night. We are completely okay with spending a lot for a good dinner, but this missed the mark. Many of the items I would normally enjoy were overwhelmed by odd sauces or sides. The flavors were strong and at times hard to swallow.
Overall: We did not think the dinner was worth the price. The service and décor saved our evening, but I’m not sure we will return.

My husband and I have been here several times on trips to Leola and the surrounding Lancaster area. The food is ok, not the best I’ve had but good. The portions are small but that is to be expected for the type of dining experience they seem to be going for.
We’ve had really mixed experience with staff here — one time they were very friendly and helpful the next (the last time we went) it felt overly stuffy and they didn’t seem very knowledgeable about the menu. Also, the restaurant was out of like three main menu items — on a Friday night for a 7:00 pm reservation. For the area it is also fairly over-​priced like other reviews have mentioned, there are lots of other good options in downtown Lancaster (similar style) for less.
All in all I think it’s a decent experience if you catch them on a good night — sadly, like the Inn (Leola Village Inn and Suites) where Mazzi is located the service and overall appeal is quickly declining.

This is a surprise in the Lancaster area. But I completely agree that even as elegant a place as this was way too expensive for the location and what you get. These are New York prices, not even Philadelphia prices!
Food was excellent. The person that described the portion sizes is exactly correct. If I was with my husband who loves to eat, as he puts it, «nice size portions», he would not have been happy. Also, servers are very young and inexperienced but they try hard.
I would not say this a place for value!

Nice place. Good food. I would suggest checking out Mazzi

Let me start out by saying that I have eaten here a lot before the new owners took over. Ever since the new owners took over, I don’t think I will be back. Not because the food is not good. Not because the atmosphere is not there. But because the new owners pretty much doubled the price of everything and as you can see from the other posts, everything is way too expensive for the area. No offense but I can go to The Belvedere, pay half the price and get the same quality or better food. They have the atmosphere there and there is even a nice lounge bar upstairs. I am by far not a cheap person but I can also think of so many better places to have dinner in the area for at least ½ the price and leave with a full tummy and a smile on my face.

you have got to be kidding me.
two salmon ravioli for $ 16
four gnocchi for $ 15
4oz salmon filet $ 29
martinis $ 14.50
food average
if you want to spend an obscene amount of money for a less than average dinner this is the place

Nestled within the peaceful country town of Leola, Mazzi’s is an unexpected delight.
European sophisticated adornment sets the scene for a refined dining experience.
The menu is comprehensive — suitable for constructing a self-​selected tasting agenda.
I have found with most tasting menus that there is typically one menu constituent lacking in comparison with the overall menu ensemble. However, each menu element formed a haloed consensus of quality, flavor and uniqueness.
As such, I would recommend all items consumed including day boat scallops, potato poppyseed gnocchi, fois gras pansotti, prime beef filet, coconut ice cream and whipped cream.
Where possible, Mazzi uses local produce, so not only are you supporting the Leola economy, you are experiencing a taste of Lancaster country.
Mazzi’s allows you to bring your own wine for a $ 15 corkage fee.
This is the ideal place to go for a special occasion.

Atmosphere: Very Good
Service: Fair
Food: Good
Overall Value: Fair
Notes/​Comments: Did not remember special request for birthday celebration; busboy cleared and re-​set tables with other diners nearby; discordant music in background:$ 30+ for average-​quality NY Strip seems a little pricey for Lancaster County. Has Mazzi’s become a restaurant only for those with expense accounts?